By Chisom Okafor
For many families, an unexpected illness can quickly become a financial burden, especially when medical bills have to be paid out of pocket. To help residents prepare for such costs, the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) has taken its health insurance sensitisation and enrolment drive to Iyiowa Odekpe in Ogbaru Local Government Area.
The outreach, held on Sept. 23, focused on helping residents understand how health insurance works, what services are covered under the scheme and how enrolment can provide financial protection when healthcare is needed.
Representing ASHIA, Mr. Amaefule Christian explained the importance of joining the scheme before illness occurs, urging residents not to wait until they need medical attention before seeking health insurance coverage.
He encouraged residents to enrol with ASHIA and secure active health insurance coverage, noting that early enrolment gives beneficiaries access to covered healthcare services in line with the terms of their chosen package.
The sensitisation also clarified that enrolment is the process of registering with ASHIA and activating health insurance coverage, while coverage refers to the healthcare services and eligible medical expenses provided for under the applicable insurance package. Beneficiaries are expected to use designated healthcare providers and follow the scheme’s procedures when accessing services.
Interested residents were given the opportunity to begin registration during the outreach, bringing the enrolment process closer to the community and allowing prospective beneficiaries to seek clarification before signing up.
The initiative supports Anambra State’s broader health vision of expanding access to affordable, quality and people centred healthcare while strengthening health insurance as a means of reducing the financial burden of medical care on individuals and families.
ASHIA continues to encourage residents across the state to take proactive steps towards healthcare protection by enrolling in the scheme rather than waiting for illness or an emergency before seeking coverage.
Chisom Okafor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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